Tarique set to become BNP chairman

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman is set to formally assume the position of party chairman in the coming days, party sources have said.

Several members of the BNP Standing Committee confirmed the development, noting that the chairmanship became vacant following the death of BNP chairperson and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia on 30 December.

Khaleda Zia had served as the head of the party for more than four decades, from 10 May 1984, until her death this year.

After her imprisonment in earlier years, Tarique Rahman, then the party’s senior vice chairman, began performing the duties of acting chairman.

According to BNP sources, the party constitution provides clear guidance on the matter. Article 7(g), sub-clause (3) of the BNP charter states that if the post of chairman falls vacant for any reason, the senior vice chairman shall assume the role of chairman for the remaining term and continue in that capacity until a new chairman is elected.

Standing Committee members said an official decision is expected soon to address the leadership vacuum and maintain organizational continuity.

Sources indicated that within the next one to two days, a Standing Committee meeting may formally announce Tarique’s elevation from acting chairman to chairman of the party.